Stoke line up strike trio to bolster Europa League hopes

Stoke boss
Tony Pulis intends to buy five new players before the transfer deadline with Birmingham striker Cameron Jerome, Tottenham forward
Peter Crouch and West Hamâs
Carlton Cole top of his wish-list.

Winning: Stoke march on thanks to Shotton winner (Action Images/Reuters)

Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios is also on his radar, and Wayne Bridge could join on loan from Manchester City.

But away from the transfer table, it was back to business last night, as Ryan Shottonâs stoppage-time goal in Croatia sealed victory against Hajduk Split, and booked the Potters a place in the final qualifying round of the Europa League.

Stoke, who went into the tie with a 1-0 lead from last weekâs first leg at the Britannia Stadium, put in an impressively-controlled display over 90 minutes, and the performance was capped in the 93rd minute by substitute Shotton, who was in the right place to convert Dean Whitehead âs cross.

And to complete Pulisâ night, there was an assured debut from Jonathan Woodgate in the heart of the defence after his summer switch from Spurs.

Mario Brkljaca headed an early corner over the bar while Asmir Begovic denied Marin Tomasov.

At the other end Jon Walters fired straight at a defender and after the break Glenn Whelan shot into keeper Danijel Subasicâs arms.